Stay in style during the Olympics

Rough Luxe Hotel, London

As the name suggests, Rough Luxe is a luxury hotel that's
rough around the edges, but in a good way. Like the stately pile of
bankrupt nobles, the house looks like it has seen better days: the
once-fine wallpaper has all but peeled off and the walls are
distressed; the furniture is all mismatched, yet the art is
tasteful and expensive, the beds sublimely comfortable. It's all
brought together by designer, architect and gallerist Rabih Hage
and the effect is faded grandeur and eclecticism - and guests tend
to either love it or hate it.

There's no restaurant, but in the basement dining room, trompe
l'oeiled with a mural of a library, delicious breakfasts are
served, and afternoon teas (order in advance) with homemade cakes;
and in keeping with the feel of the place, an honesty bar that's
available any time of day or night. With just nine unique rooms,
it's a diamond in the once-rough King's Cross area, at the wrong
edge of Clerkenwell, a little sanctuary in which to escape Olympic
fever.